Prominent group marks four years of advancing relations between Israel and its Christian supporters

Ynetnews|Published: 01.10.08 , 20:12

The Knesset Christian Allies Caucus (KCAC) marked four years of strengthening relations between Israel and its Christian allies this week. The caucus, established in January 2004 by the late MK Yuri Stern (Yisrael Beitenu) is composed of thirteen Knesset members from seven parties across the political spectrum and is chaired by MK Benny Elon (National Union – NRP).

The caucus encourages cooperation between members of the Knesset and Christian leaders around the world and works to mobilize support for Israel and promote Judeo-Christian values around the world.

“The Christian world is Israel’s most strategic ally both existentially and spiritually. Existentially, they stand up against radical Islam and their desire to destroy the state of Israel. Spiritually, Christians are our partners in the clash of cultures between our values and those of radical Islam,” said MK Elon.

The KCAC has a sister caucus in the United States and other sister caucuses have been launched or excepted to be launched in Canada, Uruguay, Brazil, Korea, Philippines, Malawi, South Africa, England and Norway. A mega caucus-event with the chairmen of all 10 sister parliamentary caucuses is scheduled to be held in Washington DC in May 2008.

This past year has been a busy one for the KCAC, with the launching of the 'Martin Luther King Jr.' award in conjunction with the Fellowship of Israel and Black America (FIBA), the first 'Jerusalem Summit Europe' in London and a slew of additional international summits, friendship tours and scholarship programs.

Upcoming events for the year 2008 include the second joint meeting of the KCAC and American Caucus, the opening of the Dr. Yuri Stern Garden for Christian Allies of Israel, Jerusalem Summits this year in Berlin, Kiev and Brazil.

In addition the caucus plans to restart its 'Night to Honor our Christian Allies' in conjunction with the World Jewish Congress. Other events include the World Leaders Summit, Jerusalem Assembly II and the KCAC’s third conference in the US.

"The caucus has grown in leaps and bounds", says Josh Reinstein, director of the KCAC. "There are sister caucuses being set up in governments around the world and I have no doubt that this year's initiatives will continue to be successful in strengthening the natural alliance between the State of Israel and our Christian allies".